Need multi-channel compressor for home studio at DVinfo.net

Dwight Flynn · August 3rd, 2005, 02:33 PM

I need a good (4, 6 or 8 channel) compressor for field and more importantly home studio use. I have seen several from focusrite, SM pro, etc., but since equipment is an area where experience means more than theory, I would appreciate some input. It's not large but my budget is $400-$500 or under.

Ty Ford · August 3rd, 2005, 07:47 PM

Why so many? For what purpose?

Ty Ford

Dwight Flynn · August 4th, 2005, 10:17 AM

Sorry for the late response. I have noticed that when I am recording separately microphoned bands, I sometimes get clipping in more then one channel. I know compression can help this problem (frankly I prob don't need more than 4 channels). I am not a big fan of recording instruments and vocals in only one or two channels when you can mic and record the vocals and instruments separately. This is not an issue in the video recording world (at my level anyway) b/c I am usually only concerned with two or three sources of audio (2 voice tracks and one for background use in post).

Ty Ford · August 4th, 2005, 10:50 AM

Hmm,

well compression is like baking a cake. Once it's baked, you can't squeeze that glass of milk out to have with your cookies.

Compression while tracking is not unusual, but great care must be taken so you don't crunch you stuff. IIWY, I'd try an RNC from FMR audio. It's a simple 2 channel compressor that has unbalanced I/Os. It's. You can insert it before the audio hit the hard drive.

Ty Ford

Dwight Flynn · August 4th, 2005, 09:31 PM

Thanks Ty. Though I am looking at the dbx 1046 also.

Stephen Finton · August 5th, 2005, 08:48 AM

I wouldn't compress a channel just because it is clipping. Just turn it down. Then you can add compression later in post, if you really need it.

Dwight Flynn · August 5th, 2005, 09:13 AM

Mainly that works, though depending on the venue and type of music, not always. I just wanted to have some more options (this stuff is like being back in school. It's a sharp curve but fun:-)

;

Stephen Finton · August 5th, 2005, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwight Flynn

Mainly that works, though depending on the venue and type of music, not always. I just wanted to have some more options (this stuff is like being back in school. It's a sharp curve but fun:-)

If it's clipping coming to you, there's really nothing you can do about it, if you are not on speaking terms with the soundboard guy. He needs to turn it down going out to you. No effect is going to make clipped audio sound okay.

August 3rd, 2005, 02:33 PM	#1
Dwight Flynn Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 393	Need multi-channel compressor for home studio I need a good (4, 6 or 8 channel) compressor for field and more importantly home studio use. I have seen several from focusrite, SM pro, etc., but since equipment is an area where experience means more than theory, I would appreciate some input. It's not large but my budget is $400-$500 or under.

August 3rd, 2005, 07:47 PM	#2
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	Why so many? For what purpose? Ty Ford __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

August 4th, 2005, 10:50 AM	#4
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	Hmm, well compression is like baking a cake. Once it's baked, you can't squeeze that glass of milk out to have with your cookies. Compression while tracking is not unusual, but great care must be taken so you don't crunch you stuff. IIWY, I'd try an RNC from FMR audio. It's a simple 2 channel compressor that has unbalanced I/Os. It's. You can insert it before the audio hit the hard drive. Ty Ford __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

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August 4th, 2005, 10:17 AM	#3
Dwight Flynn Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 393	Sorry for the late response. I have noticed that when I am recording separately microphoned bands, I sometimes get clipping in more then one channel. I know compression can help this problem (frankly I prob don't need more than 4 channels). I am not a big fan of recording instruments and vocals in only one or two channels when you can mic and record the vocals and instruments separately. This is not an issue in the video recording world (at my level anyway) b/c I am usually only concerned with two or three sources of audio (2 voice tracks and one for background use in post).

August 4th, 2005, 09:31 PM	#5
Dwight Flynn Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 393	Thanks Ty. Though I am looking at the dbx 1046 also.

August 5th, 2005, 08:48 AM	#6
Stephen Finton Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 344	I wouldn't compress a channel just because it is clipping. Just turn it down. Then you can add compression later in post, if you really need it.

August 5th, 2005, 09:13 AM	#7
Dwight Flynn Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 393	Mainly that works, though depending on the venue and type of music, not always. I just wanted to have some more options (this stuff is like being back in school. It's a sharp curve but fun:-) ;